Locating Items from Other Libraries

Student Support

Using Other Libraries

The University Library may not always be able to provide what you are looking for from its own collections - but remember that we can obtain publications on your behalf from other libraries via the Document Supply and Inter-library Loans Service. You may also wish to use other libraries, particularly if they are closer to where you are during vacations, or if you are studying at a distance.

Quick Links

Other academic libraries:

SCONUL AccessThis reciprocal service is supported by most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. Complete the online SCONUL access form and (following approval) you will receive an email introducing you to your chosen host library/ libraries.

To qualify for SCONUL Access you must be registered as a library user in good standing (i.e. having no debts at your home library and not having seriously infringed their rules).

Other academic libraries in the North West:

UCLan is a member of the NoWAL consortium - university and colleges of higher education libraries in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. All staff and students from NoWAL member institutions are entitled to access via the SCONUL Access scheme.

To qualify for SCONUL Access you must be registered as a library user in good standing (i.e. having no debts at your home library and not having seriously infringed their rules).

Limited borrowing rights are also available from other NHS libraries in the region through the Cumbria and Lancs Passport scheme.

Students on placement with an NHS Trust can also have books on the Uclan catalogue delivered to their home address through the Distance Learning Service.

Other libraries in Lancashire:

Lancashire Libraries - As a UCLan student you can gain access to all public libraries in Lancashire through the 'Lancashare' scheme. You need to sign up through your local library and you will be issued with a new library card for all the Lancashire public libraries. If you are interested in this scheme have a look at how to join Lancashire Libraries.

Lancaster University Library - Degree and postgraduate students from UCLan, and UCLan academic staff*, may apply to use Lancaster University Library.

Before you go you need to obtain a yellow application form from the One Stop Service Desk in the Library. Take this, with proof of identity and a passport-type photograph of yourself, to the library at Lancaster University. The charge for a year's membership is £20.00. This will entitle you to borrow up to 3 books.

*You may be able to access this University Library free as part of the SCONUL access scheme.

ASLIB Directory of Information Sources

A useful and informative directory of libraries and other sources of information is the ASLIB Directory of Information Sources in the United Kingdom. A copy is in the Reference Collection in our Preston campus library at 026.0002541, alongside other directories of libraries, archives, etc.

It includes detailed information concerning the conditions under which each library admits outside users. It also enables you to trace the location of significant collections on particular subjects.